LX Rockford Spring/Summer 2013 by LX Publications

A Gruno's Diamonds Publication

from the publisher

Welcome.

It is our honor once again to bring you LX Rockford, an artistic, lifestyle, jewelry and fashion coffee table magazine. This exciting issue features exquisite jewelry from around the world, artistic photography and captivating stories that will entertain you. We are excited to share “Destination…I Do” that takes a trip around the world, highlighting amazing places with breathtaking views to marry abroad or renew your vows. “Behind the Lens of Emily Gualdoni” captures emotions with a beautifully eye-arresting, almost painterly approach. Read about “The Best Beer in the World”, the Westy, that tops the hype of the world’s renowned Belgian beers. The spring runway report will keep you up to speed with the world’s foremost fashion designers as they demonstrate the allure of timelessness. Just as the Earth is reborn with this season, the classics reemerge to reign supreme. You’ll find another example of this concept from the very inventors of the automobile in “Mercedes: A Tale of Two SLs.” With the season of love, thoughts also turn to showering gifts upon our loved ones. You’ll find the perfect way to say I love you with our spring Gift Guide. Be sure to visit us at Gruno’s Diamonds, as we celebrate our 60th anniversary of service to the Rockford area this year. We enjoy hearing your stories and feel honored to be a part of your special moments. Our promise is to make your experience at Gruno’s Diamonds legendary. We will continue to strive for cutting edge fashion in our jewelry while maintaining the high quality you have been accustomed to receiving. Above all, you are very important to us and we treasure your friendship and loyalty. Please enjoy this issue of LX Rockford. All the Best, Brent, Kathleen, Nic and Channing Meade

www.lxmagazines.com

The Art of Swiss Watchmaking

SKELETON COLLECTION 17 Jewel Swiss Unitas MVT | Rose/Gray/Rhodium Movement Sapphire Crystal | Highly Decorated Front & Back | 165 Feet WR.

$1,375 MSRP

Something Blue CeLebRate the momeNts that CoNNeCt you.

Sterling silver charms from $25

801 N. Perryville Road • Rockford, IL 61107 815.399.1525 • www.grunos.com

Features

inside

Jewelry 10 Brilliant. (Gruno's Diamonds) 36 Gift Guide

Photography 19 Behind the Lens of Emily Gualdoni

Fashion 49 Runway Report

Brilliant. (Gruno's Diamonds) Behind the Lens of Emily Gualdoni

19 43

Mercedes: A Tale of Two SLs

Lifestyle 15 Kentucky Derby 43 Mercedes: A Tale of Two SLs 60 The Modern Master Suite Travel 29 Destination... I Do!

Libation 54 Best Beer in the World Cuisine 64 Ultimate Summer Brunch

Best Beer in the World

Gruno's Diamonds Gift Guide

cover on on thethe cover

Publishers BRENT MEADE KATHLEEN MEADE Co-Publishers NIC MEADE CHANNING MEADE Editor JON ROBERTS Featured on the cover is the work of brilliant fashion, beauty and wedding photographer, Emily Gualdoni. Emily says “I’ve always found it fascinating when you look at an image and have to wonder if it’s a painting or if it’s a photograph.” See Emily’s distinct style in an exclusive LX photo shoot and interview,“Behind the Lens of Emily Gualdoni” on pages 19-28.

Senior Designer ANGIE HALTER Project Coordinators ASHLEY ANDERSON NICOLE HIGGINS

LX: a coffeetable magazine LX® Magazine is published by LX Publications, LLC, 500 N. Michigan Avenue, Ste. 300, Chicago, Illinois 60611. LX® accepts no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts and or photographs and assumes no liability for products or services advertised herein. LX® reserves the right to edit, rewrite, refuse or reuse material, is not responsible for errors or omissions and may feature the same content on lxmagazines.com, as well as other mediums for any and all purposes. Copyright © 2013 LX Publications LLC. All rights reserved. The entire contents of LX® are protected by copyright© and may not be reproduced without the expressed written consent of LX Publications, LLC. Reproduction in whole or in part or storage in any data retrieval system or any transmission by any means therefrom without prior written permission is prohibited. LX® and LX® Magazine are trademarks™ of LX Publications, LLC. 8

www.lxmagazines.com

877-9GRUNOS

G R U N O S .CO M

Forevermark is part of the De Beers group of companies.

L e s s t h a n o n e p e r c e n t o f t h e w o r l d ’ s d i a m o n d s c a n b e F o r e v e r m a r k ®. Our promise that this diamond is as unique as the one for whom it is intended.

are Registered Trade Marks of the De Beers group of companies.

8 0 1 N O R T H P E R R Y V I L L E R OA D | R O C K F O R D , I L L I N O I S 6 1 1 0 7 | 8 1 5 . 3 9 9 .1 5 2 5

Brilliant. By Lyndon Conrad Bell

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines that adjective as very bright, glittering, striking, or distinctive. Further, the word can mean distinguished by unusual mental keenness or alertness. Brilliant, is also the word most often coined to characterize Gruno’s Diamonds. For the past 60 years, just as the precious stones offered by the company dazzle incandescently, so too does the character of Gruno’s Diamonds. Celebrating its 60th anniversary of service to the Rockford area this year, Gruno’s was founded back in 1953 by its namesake, Lester G. Gruno. Distinguished by unusual mental keenness, Gruno’s penchant for service and quality engendered a tremendous amount of trust and loyalty within the community. Over the years, Gruno’s philosophies endeared himself and the store to its customers, contributing mightily to unabashed success. Some 22 years later, Brent Meade joined Gruno as the store’s lead bench jeweler. Upon Gruno’s retirement, Meade purchased the store from him in 1982. Steadfastly maintaining the core values upon which Lester Gruno had built the business, Meade chose to keep Lester’s name on the door. When customers returned to Gruno’s Diamonds under Meade’s stewardship, they found themselves treated with the same care and consideration lavished upon them by Gruno himself. 10

www.lxmagazines.com

Gruno’s Diamonds at 60 years young is constantly improving itself. Fresh off of a complete remodel, the physical store is attractive and designed to be both welcoming and efficient when it comes to serving customers. There is a significant difference between a family-run business and a faceless link in a chain of cookie-cutter stores under corporate control. In a family business, decisions are made based on what’s best for the customer, rather than the corporation. Further, there is a symbiotic relationship, because more often than not, that customer is a neighbor too. The family business is interwoven into the fabric of the community. Because they are part of the community, the people at Gruno’s Diamonds feel privileged to share enduring relationships based on their intrinsic involvement in the special moments in the lives of their friends and neighbors. While the jewelry business is a business it is also inextricably intertwined with the most joyous moments of people’s lives. Weddings, anniversaries, holidays, graduations, births of children and grandchildren — these are the occasions people celebrate with gifts of fine jewelry. Meade is well aware of this and has imparted to his staff the importance of always placing the customer first. This is why he insists upon the latest gemological training; as Rockford’s only member firm of the American Gem Society, Gruno’s commitment to service and integrity are unsurpassed. Further, Meade ensures service is provided far beyond his customer’s expectations. Whether consulting on the fabrication of a one of kind heirloom designed to endure the ages, or recreating a long lost treasure from a photograph, Gruno’s state of the art laser welding center gives the company the ability to effect complicated designs and restorations, many of which were once considered impossible. Whether working with precious stones provided by the customer, or gems chosen from among the outstanding selection on offer at Gruno’s Diamonds, its master craftspeople routinely create masterpieces. And, they do it in-house. www.lxmagazines.com

The whole idea is to give the customer the ability to look into the eyes of the jewelry designer or the watchmaker when advice is given.

The same is true when it comes to fine timepieces. In addition to the broad selection of both affordable and luxurious new watches Gruno’s offers, Meade has positioned the company to undertake the repair and servicing of them as well. The whole idea is to give the customer the ability to look into the eyes of the jewelry designer or the watchmaker when advice is given. It’s all about personal relationships. This is also what drives Meade to ensure Gruno’s gives back to the community from which it draws its sustenance. Wholly appreciative of its home, the store’s charitable endeavors are too numerous to list in their entirety. More than 75 charitable organizations benefit from the gracious munificence of Gruno’s Diamonds. Whether the store is donating angel wing pendants to the nurses at Northern Illinois Hospice, or supporting the local United Way, Gruno’s Diamonds does all it can to contribute to the health and well being of its friends and neighbors around the state line area. Striking, distinctive and still distinguished by people with unusual mental keenness, Gruno’s Diamonds at 60 years young is constantly improving itself. Fresh off of a complete remodel, the physical store is attractive and designed to be both welcoming and efficient when it comes to serving customers. Its cutting-edge digital jewelry design center makes it easier than ever to create custom one of a kind treasures. Similarly, the brand new Rolex boutique offers the most complete collection of timepieces from that revered watchmaker to be found in the city. Lester Gruno would be proud to see how his faith in Brent Meade has sustained his legacy. In a word, it’s nothing less than brilliant.

www.lxmagazines.com

available at

Kentucky Derby ...and they're off!

By Nichole Odijk DeMario Each May for more than 130 years, Americans have experienced the Kentucky Derby and its sister race, the Kentucky Oaks. As years pass, the races have coupled new traditions with those of bygone years, creating a sporting event that rivals no other. “This is America’s oldest continuously held, most extravagant and glamorous springtime sporting event,” Churchill Downs Senior Director of Communications and Media Services Darren Rogers says.

www.lxmagazines.com

Numerous events lead up to the race weekend. The races themselves have their own qualifications and personalities. The Derby or the “Greatest Two Minutes in Sports” or “Run for the Roses” is for three-year-old thoroughbreds. The Derby winner is decorated with 400 freedom roses more than two yards long provided by a local Kroger store. Horses only have one chance to win in their lifetime. The Oaks is for fillies. The winner of this race is adorned with lilies and is thus known as “Lillies for the Fillies.”

Churchill Downs/Reed Palmer Photography

Last year, an all-time attendance record of 165,000 was set with more than 14 million viewers on Derby Day. The locale, Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, is an iconic facility that is both a national and historical landmark. The grounds are adorned with 250 rose bushes, 400 trees and 12,000 tulips planted to bloom in coordination with derby events. Rogers says the décor is symbolic for the coming of spring. This marking of a change of seasons would not be complete without the famous components the races have long been known for. In 1877, Polish actress Helena Modjeska attended the third Kentucky Derby, becoming one of the first celebrity sightings. She was equally impressed and charmed by the race as she was with its mint julep. “Everyone should take a sip of a mint julep on Derby Day,” Rogers encouragess. Equally as well-known is derby attire, specifically an accessory – hats. Rogers says this tradition began in a time when not wearing a hat wasn’t considered a mere fashion faux pas, but indecent. Nowadays, women can be seen with hats of all kinds from old-fashioned to contemporary, simple to flowery. Men prefer the fedora to the former derby hat of ol’. While celebrity sightings occurred from nearly the very beginning of the race’s history, it was actually a marketing concept the race’s President and General Manager Colonel Matt Winn had in the 1900s. The derby was struggling to find its place. Winn masterminded several plans to bring it back, but Rogers says Winn knew if he brought in celebrities, famous VIPs and the like, the crowds would follow.

www.lxmagazines.com

Presently, Rogers says the celebrity scene would not be possible without the hard work of the organizations that coordinate black-tie gala events to run in conjunction with derby festivities such as Barnstable Brown Party and the Julep, which raise funds for various non-profits. Rogers details this is one of the few sporting events that appeals to all walks of life, but has an unparalleled grandeur that attracts some of the world’s most elite. In an effort to meet the demand for more upscale and unique experiences, Churchill Downs is in the process of building “The Mansion” atop the sixth floor of its Clubhouse, which will debut for the 2013 race season. “It is one of the most unique experiences in all of sports that provides the most exclusive views of the race track,” Rogers says. “It will have a lavish ambiance with an unprecedented level of personalized service. We’re taking it to an extraordinary new level. ” The invitation-only space will accommodate more than 300 guests in a variety of settings from its foyer to wine cellar to an outdoor terrace. Along with this new high end offering, Churchill Downs has continued its partnership with Quintevents to provide attendees with a complete derby travel experience. These travel packages are completely customizable and can cost upwards of $10,000. The packages include the customary two-day pass to the Oaks and Derby races along with various tourist experiences all found at derbyexperiences.com. Last year, an all-time attendance record of 165,000 was set with more than 14 million viewers on Derby Day. The Oaks is growing as well with more than 120,000 attendees. Rogers says this year’s race is on the same pace to have a sell out crowd. Details on general admission and reserved seating can be found at churchhilldowns.com.

AP Photo/Darron Cummings Twilight's Kellan Lutz with guest at Churchill Downs

www.lxmagazines.com

AP Photo/Darron Cummings Jeannie Mai, host of Style Network's "How Do I Look" at last year's Kentucky Derby

behind the lens of emily gualdoni By Lyndon Conrad Bell

You don't take a photograph, you make it. - Ansel Adams Considered one of the top wedding photographers, Emily Gualdoni’s ethereal esthetic translates into images imparting the unique quality of appearing to be lighter than air. Radiating a deep internal glow, her photographs also warmly entice viewers to relive a moment forever frozen in time. Further, Gualdoni’s distinctive sensibilities enable her to approach her wedding photography with the fluidity, attention to detail and grace of a fashion photographer— as well as the observational skills of a photojournalist. Combining the two, she captures the emotion of a day in beautifully eye-arresting, almost painterly images. Remarkably though, like so many gifted people, when you ask her about her work, she says it’s just something she feels. To learn what happens behind the lens of Emily Gualdoni, we commissioned her to produce this series of photographs so we could discuss them in detail.

www.lxmagazines.com

Photography Emily Gualdoni Hair & Makeup Loni Hale Stylist Theresa DeMaria, Factor Artists Stylist Assistants Shannon Brehm Wynita Yancy Models Noelle Lynch, Ford Chicago Khrystyna B, Ford Chicago Gowns by Mira Bridal Couture, Chicago

www.lxmagazines.com

“I’ve always found it fascinating when you look at an image and have to wonder if it’s a painting or if it’s a photograph.” - Emily Gualdoni

www.lxmagazines.com www.lxmagazine.com

LX: The images have a very definite look and feel to them. Even if one didn't know you shot them all, it’s readily evident the same photographer did. In other words, you have a clearly identifiable style. How did you develop it? How has it evolved since you began photographing? Emily Gualdoni: I've always had this in me. Over the years I've just been fine tuning it. But, having said that, I've never been a very "technical" photographer. I do things intuitively, which I suppose gives me more of a distinct style. I want someone to look at my photography and see pieces of art without focusing on the elements of the image. I feel I've accomplished a successful shoot when someone can look and think; "Wow, that’s just beautiful." and maybe not even be able to explain why. I've always found it fascinating when you look at an image and have to wonder if it’s a painting or if it’s a photograph. I incorporate this into my efforts first by creating beautiful lighting and then polishing the resulting photos with a clean—but light—edit. LX: This work is quite striking. It’s like the images are black and white—but in color. Did you see that before you did the shoot? E.G.: Contrast was one of my main ideas when putting together this shoot. I really wanted the beautiful gowns to pop out, but while remaining very simple and elegant. I think it makes these photographs more fascinating when, at first glance, you think you're looking at some black and white photos. But then, when your eyes take in the skin and hair, you realize they are color photographs.

www.lxmagazines.com

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I make my wedding clients feel beautiful, glamorous, confident and ideally like they have a little fashion model in them...â&#x20AC;?

LX: Looking at your work, one can see your vision is reflective of haute couture. Is fashion the foundation of your entire photographic approach? E.G.: I love coming up with a concept and gathering the right team around me to execute the vision and create a piece of art. I have a hard time expressing myself with words, but people can get to know me by just looking at my work. I like inspiring people with things they haven't seen before. Fashion photography interests me because you have control over the outcome. Instead of waiting for a moment to happen, you create it.

LX: How does that inform or affect your wedding work? E.G.: I make my wedding clients feel beautiful, glamorous, confident and ideally like they have a little fashion model in them as well. It’s their wedding day, they should experience it feeling exceptionally attractive. Within that, I also want to reflect their personalities. So while I try to glamorize the images as much as possible, I also make sure I capture the personalities of the subjects—along with the overall beauty and joyousness associated with the time. LX: With that said, how do you unobtrusively capture a wedding day? E.G.: When I'm photographing the couple or the wedding party for posed portraits, I relax everyone with humor. I let them see my dorky/goofy side. This humanizes the situation and loosens them up so rather than focusing on the camera, they relax and enjoy being in the moment. During the reception, I use my telephoto lens to photograph people from a distance so they don't realize it because people tend to get a bit nervous when they know they're being photographed. They act differently than they would normally. With these techniques, I can easily capture their love, fun and friendship. Meanwhile, they remain completely unaware I’m doing it.

www.lxmagazines.com

By Martin Sayers

It’s no secret that today there are a growing number of couples skipping the traditional affair and marrying abroad. Why not, our world is full of amazing places and breathtaking views! Whether you are arranging a destination wedding, a second wedding or renewing your vows, prepare for your “I do’s” at one of these fine global destinations.

photo: Tourism Fiji

Cape Town, South Africa If it is a wedding in the African sun that you are looking for then Cape Town, the most popular tourist destination not just in South Africa but the entire continent, is hard to beat. Nestled in the unique Cape floral kingdom and boasting worldfamous landmarks such as Table Mountain and Cape Point, Cape Town offers naturally beautiful wedding venues coupled with a buzzing atmosphere and fantastic weather.

www.lxmagazines.com

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Church of St. Blaise (Crkva Sv. Vlaha)

Croatia, with its stunning coastline and wealth of natural beauty, is an increasingly popular destination for weddings and the city of Dubrovnik is attracting many couples. It is easy to see why – Dubrovnik is a UNESCO world heritage site and sits next to the sparkling blue of the Adriatic Sea, where the myriad of tiny and beautiful islands that dot the water offer the perfect opportunity for a pre or post-wedding boat trip. On the shore, Dubrovnik’s walled Old Town is simply breathtaking – its churches, palaces and piazzas provide a fantastic backdrop for photographs and the warmth and generosity of its people is famous throughout the world.

www.lxmagazines.com www.lxmagazine.com

New York, USA

Washington Square Park, New York

The world’s most iconic city has inspired countless songs, movies and books and has more famous sights than most entire countries, so it offers the perfect backdrop for a big day to remember. New York loves a wedding and many brides that choose to marry in the Big Apple eschew the limo for a chance to arrive in time-honored NYC style in the back of a yellow cab to one of the plethora of fantastic venues available across the city. New York’s buzzing nightlife also ensures that the postwedding party will be one to remember!

Las Vegas, USA Las Vegas may have a reputation as the ‘get hitched quick’ capital of the world but in fact the city plays host to all sorts of nuptials thanks to a mindboggling array of venues, from the glittering opulence of the Bellagio to more small and intimate venues, not to mention the world-famous Elvis Chapel! The scintillating nightlife on offer along the Las Vegas Strip will also ensure that your wedding party will never be bored during their time in the entertainment capital of the world.

Fiji This south sea paradise attracts thousands of couples each year for marriage ceremonies. It is easy to see why – Fiji’s collection of tropical islands is ringed by amazing sandy beaches and palm trees and the cobalt blue sea is as warm as a bath, meaning that you are also in the perfect spot for a honeymoon. Such is the popularity of Fijian weddings that many resorts now have purpose built chapels on-site and can cater for every requirement of your big day, from helping the bride to look her best, right through to the post-wedding meal and party.

photo: Tourism Fiji LikuLiku Resort

Victoria Street, Edinburgh

Edinburgh, Scotland The capital of Scotland can provide the perfect backdrop for a big day to remember. This grand old city is steeped in history and its magnificent architecture has to be seen to be believed. Yet this is no staid, boring town – Edinburgh is a culturally diverse and exciting location that offers a range of attractions for any wedding party, from shopping on the world-famous Princes Street to climbing up the hill known as Arthur’s Seat.

Sydney, Australia Sydney is the biggest city on the whole Australian continent and is also one of the world’s greatest tourist destinations. The friendliness of the people, the stunning landmarks and the glorious sunshine also make it a fantastic place to get married. Sydney weddings range from traditional affairs in grand old hotels such as the Langham in the historic Rocks district, to open-air celebrations on Bondi Beach or on one of the many other glorious expanses of sand that dot the city’s coastline.

Sydney Opera House

www.lxmagazines.com

Mauritius The writer Mark Twain once said of Mauritius that it was the ‘inspiration for heaven’, which makes it a perfect place to start a marriage. This beautiful speck in the middle of the Indian Ocean boasts everything you could possibly hope to find in a tropical paradise – from sandy beaches to lush green jungle and clear blue waters. Mauritius is one of the most popular marriage destinations in the world, so there is no shortage of hotels that cater for weddings and which can accommodate large wedding parties.

Bruges, Belgium This impossibly beautiful Belgian city is regularly named as one of the most romantic cities in the world and it is easy to see why. A network of canals wind their way around the city, a feature that has earned Bruges the moniker of ‘Venice of the North’, and almost everywhere you turn there is an example of stunning medieval architecture. Bruges is also famous for its ‘Lake of Love’ – a peaceful stretch of water adjoined by a park that is popular with courting couples and has been the setting for many a proposal of marriage.

photo: Toerisme Brugge/Jan D’Hondt

Malta The island of Malta in the Mediterranean, along with its smaller neighbours, Gozo and Comino, offers a wonderful setting for a wedding. Sunshine is almost guaranteed and the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rich and colourful history makes it an incredible cultural destination. Malta is home to nine UNESCO world heritage sites and also boasts significant natural beauty, with beautiful bays and coves surrounding all three islands. English is one of the official languages of Malta, which makes it very easy to arrange things with local firms leading up to your big day.

Ramla l-Hamra

34 Lija Parish Church in Malta

Gift

Guide HEARTS ON FIRE 18KT Beloved Pendant

HEARTS ON FIRE Beloved Engagement Ring

HEARTS ON FIRE Copley Single Diamond Drop Pendant This classic piece includes an 18â&#x20AC;? light weight cable chain.

HEARTS ON FIRE 18KT Beloved Earrings

HEARTS ON FIRE Divine Journey Cross Pendant

HEARTS ON FIRE Copley Single Drop Pendant This necklace includes an adjustable heavy weight cable chain.

HEARTS ON FIRE 18KT Copley Studs Earring 36

www.lxmagazines.com

FOREVERMARK Center of My Universe Round Diamond Halo Stud Earrings

FOREVERMARK

Round Diamond Halo Drop Earrings

Center of My Universe Round Diamond Halo Pendant

FOREVERMARK Center of My Universe Round Diamond Halo Ring Engagement Ring Round Diamond Halo Ring Engagement Ring with Pave Set Diamonds accenting the Band

LAZARE KAPLAN Elegant Flame Diamond Engagement Ring

LAZARE KAPLAN Opera Necklace Diamond Neckalce with Diamonds Graduating in Size

LAZARE KAPLAN Elegant Flame Diamond Stud Earrings

www.lxmagazines.com

TACORI Flirty and fun, this necklace can be mixed and matched with any piece in our City Lights collection. Diamond shaped links of silver and colorful stones all share one chain, which can be adjusted to different lengths and layered.Â

TACORI City LIghts: Four circular clear Quartz over Green Onyx Gemstones. Dazzle and delight set in Black Silver suspended on an 18" Chain.

TACORI City LIghts: With a variety of stones and shapes, these earrings are one of a kind. Blue cushion cut stones surrounded by milligran detailing float from round green onyx and turquoise.

TACORI City LIghts: Flirtatious and feminine this mini cocktail ring is as romantic as it gets. With four muti-faceted pink stones and black silver in the setting, this ring is perfect for your Little Black Dress!

TACORI City LIghts: A waterfall of blue gemstones and diamonds combine to create a unique diamond shape full of brilliance. Each stone is set in daring black silver with a shiny silver foundation.

www.lxmagazines.com

TACORI These oversized pear shaped earrings are a modern twist on chandelier and hoop earrings combined. Open in the center with a bold perimeter of milligran detailing, these earrings are chic and look gorgeous on everyone!

TACORI A botanical-inspired sweetheart carriage makes this ring absolutely unique, with diamond crescents and supple strings of diamonds arching down the sides for a definitive, sophisticated look.

TACORI This charming 2mm ladies' band is adorned with .37 carats of diamonds for delicately feminine look.

TACORI There is vintage appeal in this stunning diamond engagement ring, pictured with four large round diamonds on each side of the band and round paveset diamonds accenting the crescent silhouette details.

TACORI Stunning design. This elegant platinum and diamond band is pictured with pave-set strings of diamonds and channel set round diamonds. Diamond crescent silhouette details add beauty from every angle.

TACORI The clean cut brilliant round center diamond hovers over the intricate ribbon twisting pattern of the foundation. The diamonds on the ceiling of this amazing Tacori engagement ring seem to fold over the edge like a gentle lace-like blanket.

TACORI Architectural flair beautifies geometric cadillac-shaped sapphires. The depths of the blue sapphire set ablaze pave-set diamond detailing. A crown of intensifying diamonds around the center diamond make this ring incredibly special.

TACORI With a truly one of a kind vented exterior, this wedding band is as classic and timeless as your loving relationship. Signature Tacori crescents line the profile of the ring to perfectly match any Tacori engagement ring.

TACORI Let the world know that you are taken with this brushed wedding band. Our signature sculpted crescent design lines the inner face of the ring to add the finishing touches to an already amazing band.

www.lxmagazines.com

KIR Classic Collection Medium Woven Chain Bracelet featuring 9mm wide hand woven chain with a 6x8mm oval Green Amethyst surrounded by granulation detailing. 925 Sterling Silver

KIR Mother of Pearl Collection Ku-De-Ta Bracelet featuring a large rectangular hand-carved mother of pearl piece showing the KIR Logo and a band of hand-constructed tiles, reminiscent of the scales of a dragon. 925 Sterling Silver

KIR Wide Woven Bracelet featuring 42mm wide hand woven chain with a 16mm round White Mabe Pearl center and granulation detailing. 925 Sterling Silver

KIR Classic Collection Kirsten Drop Earrings featuring a 12mm round White Mabe center with granulation detailing on a french wire. 925 Sterling Silver

KIR Classic Collection Marjorie Marquis featuring cut-out marquis with an 8x12mm pear shaped London Blue Topaz center and granulation detailing. 925 Sterling Silver

KIR Three Stone Ring: Ring featuring a 6x8mm oval, a 7mm round and a 5x7mm pear shaped stone with granulation detailing. Sterling Silver & 18K Gold 40

www.lxmagazines.com

PANDORA Stainless Steel Ladies Watch with a White Dial and a Black Diamond Crown

PANDORA Floral Elegance Sterling Silver and Amethyst Ring

PANDORA Sterling Silver Pandora Clasp Bracelet with Various Charms

PANDORA Shining Star Set 14k Yellow Gold Necklace, Ring and Earrings with Black Spinel

PANDORA Stainless Steel Ladies Watch with a Black Braided Leather Strap

www.lxmagazines.com

Elegance is an attitude

801 N. Perryville Road www.grunos.com

The Longines Saint-Imier Collection

www.longines.com

Kate Winslet

The 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL meets the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG By Lyndon Conrad Bell

The origins of the “Gullwing” Mercedes-Benz sports car can be traced backed to 1952, when the original Mercedes-Benz 300SL sports racing car won the 24 Hours of LeMans endurance race. That same year, the car won the 1,912-mile Carrera Panamericana Mexican

endurance race, and the 1000-mile Mille Miglia Italian road race. While the car boasted a mere 175 horsepower— considerably less than its contemporary rivals—its light weight, solid reliability, and superior aerodynamics gave it a considerable advantage on the track.

1952 Mercedes-Benz 300SL

The weight advantage came courtesy of the tubular chassis designed by Rudolf Uhlenhaut, then chief developing engineer at Mercedes-Benz. Draping the 300 SL’s fluidly beguiling bodywork over Uhlenhaut’s tubular skeletal structure endowed the sports car with outstanding strength and resolute rigidity, thus improving both its handling and reliability. The downside of the tubular skeleton design was that it would not permit the car’s doors to open in the standard fashion. The lower part of the structure passed through the area where a conventional door would normally go. To compensate, one of the most evocative aspects of the car —those remarkably captivating gullwing doors — were specified to overcome this limitation. This distinction, along with the car’s highly successful racing record, led legendary automobile importer Max Hoffman to petition Mercedes-Benz to offer a road going version of the car in the United States. Among the other brands imported to the States by Hoffman were Alfa Romeo, BMW, Porsche, and Volkswagen. With his finger firmly on the pulse of American auto enthusiasts, Hofmann would routinely make recommendations to those factories about cars he felt would hold strong appeal. Other now-iconic models owing their existence to Hoffman include the Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider and the Porsche Speedster.

The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL “Gullwing” (model series W 198 I, 1954 to 1957)

The road going version of the 300SL was introduced at the New York Auto Show in 1954. This was a significant event because it marked the first time a Mercedes-Benz automobile was introduced at an auto show other than Frankfurt or Geneva. Fitted with a 3.0-liter inline sixcylinder fuel injected engine, the 1954 300SL Gullwing coupe made 212 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 202 ftlbs of torque at 4,600 rpm. With its four-speed manual

www.lxmagazines.com

transmission and a curb weight of 3,430 pounds, the fastest version of the 300SL boasted a top speed of some 160 miles per hour. This was enough to make it the fastest production car on the market in 1954. A total of 1,400 copies of the car were produced between 1954 and 1957.

Flash forward some 59 years and we’re streaking along a closed course at 150 miles per hour in the 2013 MercedesBenz SLS AMG, the 300SL’s spiritual successor. Even at that elevated pace, there was still more room under our right foot, so we prodded the pedal closer to the gullwing coupe’s floorboard in a request for even more velocity. In response, the transmission actually downshifted! The 563-horsepower, 6.2-liter hand assembled V8 barked even more assertively in response as it accessed its full 479 ft-lbs of torque. The boat tailed Benz then proceeded to rocket from 150 to 185 as if it were launching from a standstill.

www.lxmagazines.com

“With the SLS AMG, Mercedes-Benz offers a zero to 60 of just over three seconds...”

Capable of 151 miles per hour at its 7200-rpm redline in fifth gear, the SLS AMG is traveling a mere nine miles per hour slower than the top speed of its ancestor. Thing is, its seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox still has two more gears to work with. According to the folks at Mercedes, the SLS AMG will do 197 miles per hour. We’re inclined to believe them.

www.lxmagazines.com

Remarkably, where other supercars seething with the potency of the SLS AMG ask you to compromise some aspect of your comfort and/ or convenience, you’ll be perfectly happy driving the Mercedes supercar everyday. The engine is wholly composed trundling along at pedestrian speeds. Still, while

the SLS AMG is as luxurious and comfortable as you’d expect an upmarket Mercedes to be, at full cry, the V8 blasts a baritone capable of summoning police officers from three surrounding counties. Both raucous and beautiful, the car’s sound is absolutely addictive.

With the SLS AMG, Mercedes-Benz offers a zero to 60 of just over three seconds, exceptionally luxurious accommodations, and a worthy successor to the iconic 300 SL Gullwing coupe. If ever there were any doubt about who invented the automobile, the SLS AMG proves Mercedes-Benz is the one.

www.lxmagazines.com

Runway Report Women's Spring 2013

Designer Spotlight Oscar de la Renta:

Too Much is Never Enough Godfrey Deeny New York's patron of patrician chic, Oscar de la Renta, said it with roses this season, or rather a whole garden of flowers; everything from leather petal bracelets to silk organza flower embroidery. Like a filmmaker or Renaissance oil painter, the mature years of de la Renta have been marked by a renewal with the avant-garde - so even though his clothes are the nearest thing there is to couture in America - they are imbued with an offbeat artistry. That's why his cast appeared with red and turquoise streaked hair, and why every second look was dissected by, dripped with or encircled by Russian gold brooches, earrings, mini belts and tassels in some too much is never enough chutzpah. There was a thoroughly charming moment when U.K. model Cara Delavigne strutted out in the most outrageously short shocking pink ostrich feather peplum bustier and cocktail shorts, a little bird of paradise strutting across the floor in the designer's headquarters way up high in an historic Fifth Avenue skyscraper just as sun set over the city skyline.

And, ever the gentleman, de la Renta listed all 11 of his designer assistants in the program notes. You could count on one hand the number of Continental designers who have ever done that. As the Italians say, â&#x20AC;&#x153;i signori non si fannoâ&#x20AC;?, meaning you can't make a gentleman. One has to be fortunate to be born one, not by the accident of birth but the nobility of intention. In that sense, de la Renta is American fashion's finest gent.

www.lxmagazines.com

Oscar de la Renta

Though the single most arresting image was a shimmering silver bead tunic and matching pants that dazzled the audience at the Tuesday, Sept. 11, evening show. Commercially savvy as ever, the designer, who hit 80 in July, had plenty of slick crowd pleasers - lace chiffon blouses no woman would not want in her closet, and white guipure pencil skirts that reeked sophistication.

Oscar de la Renta

www.lxmagazines.com www.lxmagazine.com

Versace

www.lxmagazines.com

Runway Report Men's Spring 2013

Giorgio Armani

Designer Spotlight Giorgio Armani Gets Smoothly Sporty Godfrey Deeny Welcome to the new sporting chic. On Tuesday, June 26, the final day of the Italian menswear season, Giorgio Armani presented an entire collection devoted to the concept of gentlemanly sports style. Though the designer opened with some brilliantly cut casual suits – cut in the fabric of the season, tightly woven jute – the big news this season at Armani is that sport is cool again. Nothing underlined that more than Armani’s great finale – ignited by a series of high-tech, and sculptural trench-coats, finished with massive naval buttons, and a succeeding quartet of sleek rowers in shorts and jerkins, made in the designer’s signature “three dimensional” zig zag prints, in a form so small they dazzled the eyes. Right before Armani took his bow, a team of five boulevard dandies in matching white suits with shorts appeared, raising their pork-pie fedoras in unison on the runway as if accepting winning team medals. “I could have gone for that old idea of healthy style; The Great Gatsby at a polo game in the Hamptons. But I wanted a modern impeccable elegance,” Armani told journalists in Italian backstage in his giant Milan show space, where all his Italian shows are staged. The new athletic style made for a looser, more forgiving silhouette, the better to admit all those muscular torsos and legs. And throughout the detailing was sporty – from contrast amber hued zippers to coordinated buttons to the ample knits. A day earlier in his Emporio Armani show, the designer spent practically the whole collection on the beach, though most of the time poised to work out. The first two dozen models wore shorts, and that show finished with the projection of “Olimpiadi,” a black-and-white video homage to the Italian Olympic team, which Armani is outfitting. Indeed, the designer seemed sports obsessed this season. On the final day of the fashion season, he announced in a full-page ad in La Gazzetta dello Sport – Europe’s leading sports daily - that his professional basketball team, EA7 would kick off next season with an exhibition match against the visiting Boston Celtics in Milan.

www.lxmagazines.com

Giorgio Armani

www.lxmagazines.com

BEST BEER IN THE

WORLD

photo: Ale Sharpton

www.lxmagazines.com

Belgian Beers are World Renowned, but the ‘Westy’ Tops the Hype By Dennis Malcolm Byron

Whether it was a Cabbage Patch Kid, a Tickle Me Elmo or the next Apple iPhone, there was always a product that created a national frenzy for consumers who had to get it before it sold out by any means necessary. But could you imagine a certain beer brewing up the same consumer madness? Well on December 12, 2012, the reclusive Trappist Abbey of Saint Sixtus out of the quiet farmlands of west Belgium’s Vleteren region singlehandedly created the most historic one-day national manhunt the brewing world had ever witnessed with their ale, the Westvleteren XII aka the “Westy.” And regardless of how this wallet-draining $84.99 package popularly termed a “brick”—six 11.2-ounce bottles and two signature goldrimmed glasses—sold out as fast as it could be unloaded off the delivery truck, it would be the first and last time this opportunity would occur. And now the questions: What’s so great about the Westy and second, why wouldn’t the Saint Sixtus monks capitalize off this beer’s fame and rake in huge profits?

www.lxmagazines.com

Well first, the basics. Belgian beer has become extremely popular worldwide due to their complex flavors, brewing techniques, and often sweet tasting notes. Ingredients like candy sugar, coriander and orange peel are often used to counter the bitterness and distance this country’s beer from others in Europe and abroad. Many of the varieties are also bottle conditioned, which give them similar aging properties as wine. To add, due to the plethora of palatable delicacies Belgium has to offer including succulent mussels, rich chocolates and mouthwatering waffles, millions flock from around the world to pair the fare with the country’s ales and lagers. They’re that good. In fact, North America’s microbreweries emulate Belgian beer like witbier (wheat beer) and tripels (strong golden ales) so much that “style” had to be used by law along with “Belgian” on its label to curb any chance of confusing its origin. Credit the monks for this influence.

photo: Ale Sharpton

Belgian monks were brewing centuries ago with a dual purpose—to provide a more sanitary option to local drinking water, and as a product to help raise funds for their abbeys. Over time, their brewing excellence would blossom and become sought throughout Europe. When discussing specifically Trappist monasteries originally from Normandy, France approximately 900 years ago, six of the seven, which produce beer, are based in Belgium—Achel, Orval, Chimay, Rochefort, Westmalle and Westvleteren. And while they are regarded as some of the best brewers globally, the Trappists’ strict brewing guidelines separate them from all other abbeys. In a nutshell, all beer should be brewed inside a Trappist monastery; everything including management and brewing operations should be under the supervision of the monks; and the money made from selling the beer must be solely used to maintain the monastery, support the monks’ living expenses, and serve as charitable funds for its surrounding community.

Belgian monks were brewing centuries ago with a dual purpose—to provide a more sanitary option to local drinking water, and as a product to help raise funds for their abbeys. But one Trappist abbey’s beer particularly stands out. Saint Sixtus Abbey’s Westvleteren has been brewing since 1838 and produces three different beers—the Blonde (aka green cap) at 5.8 percent ABV; the Westvleteren 8 (blue cap) served at 8 percent ABV; and the Westvleteren XII (yellow cap) at 10.2 percent ABV. The latter, introduced in 1940, is the most celebrated of them all and regarded by many as the world’s best. Categorized as a Quadruple, the dark, opaque brown “Westy” 12 is truly magnificent, boasting flavors of fig, raisins, brown sugar, roasted nuts, a slight smokiness… the flavor profiles can go on for days but the overall praise is due to its remarkable balance of them all. Sweet, complex and warming, its accolades are valid.

www.lxmagazines.com

Trappist Abbey of Saint Sixtusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, Westvleteren

The Trappist beers adhere to three strict conditions: The beer must be brewed within a Trappist Abbey The beer must be brewed under the supervision and responsibility of the monks The majority of the revenue must be dedicated to charitable work

Trappist Abbey in Belgium

Considered by many connoisseurs to be “the best in the world,” on 12.12.12, Switzerland, France, Spain, the Netherlands, Italy and the U.S. had beer devotees camping outside select stores hours before dawn trying to score a one-time only Westvleteren XII, “the brick” six-pack. But not only is the Westy brewed in severely limited quantities (only 160,000 cases are produced annually), the strict Westvleteren guidelines solely allow sales of the beer at its abbey and adjacent café, In de Vrede. To make it even more challenging, reservations to pick up your limited quantities of the beer have to be made by phone weeks in advance, and even then, the phone is constantly busy. Staying true and obedient to spiritual guidelines, the St. Sixtus monks only wish to make enough money to take care of their living expenses, so the beer’s worldwide demand is moot to them. They do not relish the attention they have received over the years and passionately yearn for a quiet life serving God, but when their monastery called for major renovations including extensive roof repair, drastic measures called for the Westvleteren XII “brick” to be its savior. So on 12.12.12, Switzerland, France, Spain, the Netherlands, Italy, and the U.S. had beer devotees camping outside select stores hours before dawn trying to score a one-time only six-pack. As expected, the limited releases sold out in hours worldwide through retail means, and then it was eBay’s turn, where it became commonplace for an untampered brick to sell for $500. So let’s say you are one of the thousands of beer enthusiasts who did not score a Westy six-pack; worry not. There are a handful of other quadrupels that are not only readily accessible throughout Belgium and the U.S., but could be mentioned in the same sentence as the Westvleteren XII in terms of taste. Try the Trappistes Rochefort 10, St. Bernardus Abt 12, or even the Three Philosophers Belgian Style Blend brewed by Ommegang in Cooperstown, NY. So whether you get the opportunity to taste a Westvleteren XII or any of the other masterfully crafted beers produced by abbeys throughout Belgium, your palate will be blessed.

www.lxmagazines.com

In a setting beyond compare â&#x20AC;&#x201C; an amazing love, an exquisite ring... The perfect new beginning. As you were destined to be, Cordova wedding sets complete each other. And like your true love, they are a treasure to last a lifetime.

AVAIL ABLE EXCLUSIVELY AT

The Modern Master Suite

Adding Technology And Style To The Bedroom 60

www.lxmagazines.com

High tech has become an integral player in every part of the home says Emily Henderson, HGTV designer on Secrets From A Stylist. “With so much activity centered in the master suite, it makes sense to add useful tech devices into that living space, too.”

Bed Control

Henderson says; “Leggett & Platt’s adjustable bed bases let you use a wireless remote to change positions to be comfortable no matter what I’m doing.” You can adjust your mattress to find exactly the right position. They even have a massage feature and a bed skirt option for a more traditional look.”

www.lxmagazines.com

Motorized Window Treatment Control

“Lying in bed using a remote to open your shades in the morning is such a luxury,” says Henderson. “Shade Store motorized window treatments are custom made, super high quality, less likely to break down, and very attractive.” Some even feature a timer you can program to open and close whenever you like.

Remote Control TV Mount

Motorized control of the placement of your wallmounted video monitor is a total luxury. This allows you to put it on a side wall and have an extendable arm bring the TV to you — by remote.” Just make sure your wall mount is compatible with your television.

Heat Control

Today’s thermostats are controllable with your iPhone even if you are traveling. “When you’re headed home you can make sure it’s warm enough without wasting a lot of energy,” says Henderson. Modern thermostats also learn your patterns and adjust accordingly.

Music Control

You want to listen to music on good quality speakers, but you don’t want to have to get up and turn the stereo off. Bluetooth wireless speakers are the solution. They feature great sound and are fed from your smartphone beside your bed. Some even feature remotes and voice recognition.

Get it on...

WRAP HER UP THIS SPRING IN IDEAL SURROUNDINGS

Available at

801 N. Perryville Rd. Rockford IL, 61107 877-947-8667

facebook.com/GrunosDiamonds

www.grunos.com

Prosciutto Ham, Brie Cheese and Quail Egg on tasted Brioche photo: My Private Chef, Inc.

By Nichole Odijk DeMario Brunch, that delightful meal that combines menu items of both breakfast and lunch and has entertaining written all over it. If you prefer to delight an intimate or even large group of guests with the ultimate brunch during the warmth of summer, it can all be accomplished within the comforts of home. Executive Chef and Owner of My Private Chef, Christopher Tong, has been creating and coordinating upscale private gourmet dining experiences for 30 years. Brunch is a food connoisseur favorite, but it can also be the entertainer’s favorite because of its creative options. Tong says the ultimate summer brunch takes advantage of seasonal and exotic fruits and vegetables. He says guests thoroughly enjoy a chef attended gourmet omelet, crepe or waffle station. Flavors should be vibrant and ingredients should vary in color to give dishes that pop. He likes to balance flavors of sweet and savory, which makes the meal that much more enjoyable. Fresh herbs and produce add visual interest. For a unique touch, edible flowers can add to both the menu and décor.

Beverage choices are equally as important. Along with serving traditional brunch drinks such as Mimosas or Bloody Marys, serve exotic drinks with fresh juices, fruit, melon and herbs. Presentation does not have to be lost with home entertaining. In fact, it’s an opportunity to let personal touches shine. For intimate affairs, Tong recommends plating the food in multiple courses and in smaller portions. Some items can be served in individual cups or smaller bowls which adds to the presentation, while controlling portion size. One of the most important factors to consider, he says, is to know your guests and their tastes to ensure all palettes are satisfied. To add elegance to the presentation, Chef Tong says colorful flowers, linens, serve ware, flatware and china along with lighting by candlelight are ideal. He adds, “The atmosphere and presentation matter as much as the food.”

www.lxmagazines.com

Get it on...

Available at